Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I am looking for help for my one child. He is five years old this year. I moved up here because my son's great grandma was every sick. She died this September 23rd.
We been jumping house to house since we have been here. I do not have a job. I have been looking but, not having the luck of getting one. My son's birthday was November 22nd, on Thanksgiving, but it was not so giving for him. So he did not get a birthday this year and I am hoping I do not have to tell him Santa is not coming too. I know it going to break his heart to tell him. So I am asking for places where I can get help this year. Thank you.
By sherryann
Hon, sorry to hear that! Go to Salvation Army - they will give you some toys, clothes, etc. It's not going to be brand new, but they'll help you out. Social Services will give you Food Stamps and temp assistance for housing. Check local Catholic Charities - they help not only Catholics, go to various churches and local Food Bank! I hope all will be well for you!
The charities that I am aware of have a cut off date for applications of right around Thanksgiving time. If you go to church speak to your pastor, sometimes they will take up a special anonymous offering for a member of the congregation. Aren't there any grandparents, aunts, and uncles that would be sending gifts? Also you could pick out one or two of his favorite toys and hide them, then after he is in bed, figure out some way to refurbish them.
My elderly aunt was recently telling me about when she was a child, her favorite doll disappeared, nobody in the family could tell her where it was. Her mother had hid it and while my aunt was at school and in bed, my grandma got busy and made a new wardrobe for the doll and also finished a cardboard box to look like a suitcase.
When the family got home from Christmas eve services, the doll was sitting on top of the piano with the suitcase and a little note saying she had just got back from a shopping trip in New York. My aunt is 86 and still remembers that as her most memorable Christmas.
You must have some cash, to be paying for going from house to house, you should be able to squeeze a little out to go to a thrift store and buy some little toy, sometimes a person can get some nearly new things really cheap. Also if you have a pretty towel in good condition make some kind of a stuffed animal out of it. I did that one year when we were really hard up. I took an old extra bed pillow apart to use the stuffing.
I am a disabled single father with a low income of less then $405.00 a month, not leaving me with anything for Christmas for an 8 year old girl. Where can I get some help for Christmas? Thanks.
By Earl F.
Try your church. If you don't have one give her one for Christmas.
I'm so sorry to hear that! :( Sir I know I may only be 15 I work in a lot of charities, and I know with the economy today its hard to buy a lot of things especially with that income.
Listen my advice for you is, a lot of the people I help out have put a certain budget away for their Christmas shopping, then they go out and find the best sales out there, they keep within whatever their budget is, and their kids are happy. You also got to teach your daughter that its not all about getting gifts. Christmas is about giving, sharing, etc. I hope you do well this Christmas. Merry Christmas!
I am a single mother of 2; where do I have to go to get help with Christmas presents for my children?
By Samantha
Being a single mother doesn't necessarily qualify you for Christmas help. All of the places that I know of require people to fill out an application and want to know your income. Most of these places also have an age cut off limit of 12 years.
Number 1, the kids Dad should be giving them each a gift, plus there should be two sets of grandparents and some aunts and uncles. Most places that provide help for Christmas have already passed the deadline for taking applications.
Number 2, Speak to the pastor of your church. Sometimes they will take a special offering for a needy member of their congregation. However, they won't keep doing it for the same family over and over.
Number 3, plan ahead, start shopping in January. There have been several times over the years that I would have needed Christmas help, if I hadn't planned ahead. I start shopping in January and have been done for more than a month, and have everything wrapped and under the tree.
Number 4, no kid needs more than one gift each from their parents and they definitely don't need what they see on TV and they don't need designer labels. The name of the game is plan ahead.
My name is Rachel. I have a very special little girl name Stephanie. She is in first grade and is 6 years old. I dont get very much money. All I get is going to my rent so that we have a place to live. It's been hard for me prior to this we were homeless.
I need help with Christmas for my daughter who is 14. I have been everywhere and called places and can't find help because there is an age limit or it's too late to find sign up.
It is not like I planed this to happen. Please does anyone know where I can find help?I think you can have a nice Christmas for her if you get creative. First, what can you make that would be meaningful? There are a ton of resources online for super cute, stylish presents you can make for under five dollars. Also don't be afraid to step in the thrift stores. When I went away for college this year, I didn't have a lot of money to buy new clothes so I visited my local Goodwill for the first time.
Does anyone know where I can find an organization to help me with my daughter's Christmas? Please no rude comments, I am in a bind and any information would be appreciated.
Unfortunately, it is now too late for most Holiday programs as they have their program targets identified months ago. You can contact local churches and other local outlets for possible help.
I have five children that will not have a Christmas this year. We were homeless for three months and we just moved in about a month ago, but I have to pay bills and make sure they have food.
I want them to, but I don't make enough to provide the things they want and need. Does anyone know of places that help with Christmas?Hi teresa im in the same situation this year ive asked as many people as i can if u google charities that help for xmas you will get a list of places that will help however most have taken there applications around october so we could have missed it already .
Thats why i also posted on here as well in the hopes to find that someone or someones to reach in their hearts as i often do .
I hope u have a christmas with your children and i will address this in my prayers god bless.
Salvation army are the best i find
I am a victim of domestic violence who has two wonderful girls. I left an abusive relationship about a month ago with the clothes on our backs.
I am desperately seeking help for Christmas for my girls. If someone has any information regarding some assistance please advise.You want want to check into a woman's abuse center for abused women to start off with. They can help find you assistance, clothing, food, and a place to sleep.
Where are you living right now? It is important to know what state you are in because it makes it easier to find help in your area.
I have 2 children 2 and 3yrs old. My husband recently got laid off from work, so we have been struggling to make ends meet. I really need help getting my babies something for Christmas.
If anyone could let me know where to go. I have tried all the local places that usually help and it's too late for me to sign up. Thanks very much in advance.I am too late for the Angel Tree. I need help getting gifts for my three girls this year. I have tried a lot of charities and keep hitting walls. I have put in a layaway, but I am afraid I will not be able to get it out.
I am wondering if anybody knows any charities or organizations that can help me with gifts?I am a working mom that just lost my job. I need help with Christmas gift for my kids. Can some one please tell me where I can go to get some help? Thanks and may God bless you all.
Call 2-1-1 or go online www.211.org/ and key in the city, state you're in or the zip and it will bring up nearest help aid where you reside. Browse through the categories (drop down menu) and find out if you can get any of these needs met to make life go easier for yourself and your family. Also, call your county police dept. which usually donates to children in the county and if they cannot help you, ask them if they might guide you to someone who can assist. Contact Salvation Army or Toys For Tots who might get you on their Christmas List.
My family and I are staying in a hotel. I have 3 kids. I don't get paid too much, not even enough to pay for the hotel weekly. Does anyone now where I csn get help for Chistmas?
By Jenny
Most of the charities that do Christmas help have a cut off date of around Thanksgiving for taking applications. They also have a cut off of 12 years for age. IF you don't have enough to pay your weekly rent at the motel, exactly who is paying it? You might be better off in a homeless shelter because people always make sure the kids in those places get something. IF you have a pastor talk to him, he might be able to help a little bit. Although it is too late to take up a special offering in church, like they sometimes do for a needy member of the congregation.
I have 4 children (2 girls and 2 boys) and I have no job or any help. Where can I get Christmas help for my kids ages 14, 9, 10, 8?
By sj
It's a little late to be asking for Christmas help. Most of the charities that do this have a cut off date around Thanksgiving for taking applications. This is so they can do their budgeting. Most of them also have an age limit of 12 years. IF you have a pastor, talk to him, sometimes they will take up a special offering for needy members of the congregation.
I need help with making a good Christmas for 2 beautiful blue eyed girls:) I'm late for a lot of places that help and I'm praying I can still find someone who can help me get gifts for my amazing family in our time of need. Any suggestions?
By Kristin
All families are amazing and a lot of them need help. You should start looking for help a lot earlier. There is usually stories on the news from the different charities that help with things like this, starting probably in October. That being said we all know Christmas comes at the same time every year. There isn't a reason in the world that people can't plan ahead and buy one gift a month. As far as that goes all any kid needs is one gift from their parents. Don't your kids have grandparents, aunts, and uncles that will be giving them gifts? Talk to your pastor, sometimes they will take up a special offering for a needy member of the congregation. But even for that, it is getting a little late. You could give each one of your kids a color book and small box of crayons and they can even be the cheap brands of crayons. Go to a dollar store and get each one of them one item and I bet they will be happy. Walmart has cute little kids t-shirts for about $5.00. Kids don't need designer things or even the expensive toys and electonics.
I'm desperately trying to find gifts of any style, shape, or form, for 2 boys ages 17 and 13. If anything, I want them to have something to open on Christmas day! Where can I find help?
Most of the Christmas charities have a cut off date for applications right around Thanksgiving and most of them have an age limit of 12 years. Talk to your pastor, sometimes they will take up a special offering to help a needy member of the congregation. That being said, there are stores like WalMart that usually have some reasonable priced CDs and DVDs. This time of the year they even have some board games for reasonable prices. You can even find reasonably priced t-shirts at stores like WalMart and Target.
I have three kids. I just moved here from Florida and am staying with my mother. I don't have any income at all. I lost everything in Florida. Christmas is here and my babies don't have anything for Christmas, not even a Christmas dinner. I just want to know if there is any place I can still get help for my kids. My son is 7 and my two daughters are 12 an 16.
By l Williams
Hi I want to know if you guys was still doing the Christmas sign up? If so I have a 15 month girl that's in need of clothes, shoes, socks and toys. In clothes she wears 18 month in shoes a 5c
I am a mother of three beautiful, wonderful children two boys ages 14 and 9 and a little girl age 11. Three children which I would do anything for so I'm hoping someone can understand the worry and hurt I'm going through. I lost my job last month over a lie which I'm currently trying to go through appeals process. I thought it would be finished and I would have won the appeal by now, but it hasn't.
Leaving me scared and worried, wanting to know what to do. There are only 6 days left until Christmas and my question is how can I get help for Christmas gifts? The oldest boy needs winter clothes and both boys shoes are falling apart. Please I've never been in this position, what should I do? Where can I get help?By Haley from Kingsland, GA
The charities that provide Christmas help have a cut off date of mid-November for taking applications. This is done for budgeting purposes. Most of them also have age cut off limits of 12-13 years, this is because older kids are expected to understand the situation.
As far as clothes/shoes for the kids go, go to your the office of your local Salvation Army(there might not be one right in your town, but in the nearest large town) and ask for a voucher for clothes for the kids, and then take it to their thrift store, and you will get to pick the number of free outfits specified for each kid. But be specific about the number of kids that need clothes.
If you have a social worker through the Department of Social Services Office (food stamps, etc.), that person might know of some help for you.
Also speak to your pastor, sometimes they will take up a special anonymous offering for a needy member of the congregation. Do this right away, because this coming Sunday is the last Sunday before Christmas. Also mention your problems to a really good friend and to your parents and siblings.
I am a forty one year old woman with two kids, a boy who is 15 and a daughter who's 9. I am having a very hard time getting them something for Christmas. I try to find work, but no one wants to hire a person with health problems and I have a herniated, slipped disk to the right and a pinched nerve down my right side. All I want is to see my kids smile once for Christmas. I really would like it if I can get any help with them because I have nothing to give them for Christmas. Does anybody know where I can get help?
By Dianne from Chicago, IL
Hi Dianne. Sorry this is coming to you after Christmas but I thought to respond anyway as maybe you could do this for next year. A few years ago, I found myself in a similar position and had no idea how to provide for Christmas.
A friend told me about Swagbucks, which is an online survey/games/product website. It's free to join and you never have to give up any credit card info or pay anything to use the site. The more surveys/activities/games you complete the more points you get, which you can trade in for gift cards at places like Amazon, Target and Walmart.
I thought it was a scam until I read about it again on the Diaperswappers community boards. A lot of moms do the surveys in their spare time to get gift cards for birthdays and holidays.
I finally joined and have been doing it for several years. My husband and I are now both working but I still do the surveys. This year we had almost $400 in gift cards and we didn't spend any of our own money for Christmas gifts. There are some people who are even in the $1000+ range with gift cards. Check it out, see if it's for you. Maybe if you start now you could have plenty for Christmas next year. Good luck with everything.
How can I go about getting help for my friend? She has not been able to buy Christmas for her three children yet. She's 23, has three kids (6, 3, and 1). Her fiancé has lost his job, her kids' father does not help her at all (he's an ex so I know he doesn't). She was working two jobs to provide Christmas for them, but one job let her go and the other job is third shift and she works as much as she can, sleeps about 30 minutes then gets up to get her oldest to school. I just really want to help her. She shouldn't have to struggle on this holiday.
By Lauren E.
With Christmas only being 11 days away, not sure if there are any charities that can help. Human services, toys for tots, salvation army are a few places and some local church's. Since she has a school aged child, the school she attends can help sometimes. Then again you usually have to put the childs name on a list a few months ahead of time and it is on a first come, first serve basics. I hope you can find some where to get gifts for her children. Good luck.
I am a single mother of three, ages 3 months (girl), 6 years (girl) and a 7 year (boy). I just lost my job and am in need of Christmas help. Does anyone know where I can get help? Thanks in advance.
Most of the well known charities that are nation wide have cut off dates for applications of mid-November, this is for budgeting purposes. Talk to your social worker, with the Department of Social Services (I am assuming you have one). Also don't your kids have grandparents and aunts and uncles that give them gifts? Speak to you pastor, sometimes they will take up anonymous offerings to help a needy member of the congregation. The baby won't know if she gets anything or not. The other kids are young enough that they will be satisfied with a coloring book and a box of crayons, these can be wrapped separately and make two gifts for each one.
There were times when my girls were little they would get a new dress for the Sunday School program and after they went to bed at night the dress would get wrapped and put under the tree - that was their present.
I am a 34 year old single mom of 2 daughters ages 11 and 9 and a son that is 3. I am an online student for Medical Assisting and I do not work because I live with and care for my 53 year old disabled mom. My mother lives and pays her rent from her small Social Security check. I am very much struggling to help my kids have a decent Christmas. My mother is terminal and has lymphedema and cellulitus of the legs.
I was wondering if you knew of anyone sponsoring a family for Christmas or where I could get some Christmas help? Anything would be appreciated, thanks and God bless.
By Cindy Mercer
Have you tried The Salvation Army or any of the stores that decorate their displays with Christmas Angels (people's names on an angel hanging from tree)? Any church that has food drives at Christmas time and may be able to pass out a toy to a child. Time to call and contact places to see what can be done before it's too late.
I have a 17 year old daughter who was placed in my emergency custody this last July after her father abused her. I moved and relocated and have given her a home and parent (myself), and have found a part time job. But, I have absolutely no money for Christmas this year. Are there any charities that can help me with a gift for her Christmas? Any help I receive will be greatly appreciated.
By Jennifer D.
The charities that I know of have a cut off date of just before Thanksgiving, and also a cut off age of 12 years. If you attend a church fairly often, speak to your pastor. A lot of times a pastor will take a special, anonymous offering for a needy member of the congregation. She wouldn't need to have an expensive gift, thrift stores have a good selection of gently used and sometimes new items with the tags still on them, for a reasonable price. WalMart has decent t-shirts and CDs for no more than $10.00. She doesn't need designer items and she doesn't need high end electronics. Also does she have grandparents and aunts and uncles that will be sending her gifts. Another thought is that some dollar stores have a fair selection of make up, body wash and body lotion. You should be able to squeeze a little out of your budget.